New U. S. Diet Rules: More Protein, Less Sugar, and Fewer Processed Foods

The U. S. government has just rolled out fresh advice on what Americans should eat. The big changes? More protein, less sugar, and a strong warning against processed foods. This isn't just about personal health; it's part of a bigger plan called "Make America Healthy Again, " led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. These new rules come out every five years. This time, they're pushing for more protein—about 1. 2 to 1. 6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, up from the old 0. 8 grams. They're also saying full-fat dairy is okay, which is a shift from old advice that said low-fat dairy was better. And they're telling people to cut back on alcohol, but they didn't give a specific limit like before.The guidelines also say to stay away from added sugars and artificial sweeteners. They even say no amount of these is good for you. And they're telling people to avoid foods with artificial flavors and dyes. But they didn't say much about ultra-processed foods, which some scientists say are bad for health. Some groups are happy with these changes. The American Medical Association says the new rules will help fight diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. But the rules didn't explain the science behind the changes. A White House official just said they're based on good science and will help people be healthier. The rules also affect school meals for nearly 30 million kids. So, these changes could have a big impact on what kids eat every day. The guidelines were supposed to come out last August, but they were delayed. No one said why.